Arkansas DT Luc Bequette commits to Cal
When Luc Bequette committed to California on Thursday, Defensive Coordinator Art Kaufman undoubtedly felt a swell of pride.
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That's because Bequette, a 6-2, 285-pound rising senior, joins Kaufman in hailing from Arkansas.
Kaufman got his first serious look at Bequette when the latter traveled west to attend the Bears football camp in late June. With offers in hand from all three service academies, Sonny Dykes and his staff knew they were looking at a high-character individual. Perhaps less anticipated, was Bequette's athleticism.
"My initial thoughts were that they would want me as an offensive lineman," Bequette told GoldenBearReport on Sunday, just after making his commitment public. "But in watching my practices, Coach Kaufman said that I moved well and he wanted me for D-Line."
Bequette's measurables suggest the Little Rock-resident has the physical attributes to stop the run, bat-down balls, and hurry the quarterback. He runs a sub-5.00 40-yard dash and boasts an impressive 28-inch vertical, in addition to a 350-pound bench press.
He'll also bring with him some serious bloodlines. Bequette's grandfather, father, and uncle all played football at Arkansas, as did his cousin Jake Bequette, who's still a member of the New England Patriots.
Bequette's mom, Debi Thomas, was an Olympic figure skater and is also a Stanford alumnus.
"Obviously, the education is a big factor," said Bequette. "Plus, I love the state of California and the chance to play for a BCS school is really exciting… I'm comfortable with Coach Kaufman."
Originally from Fountain Valley, California, Bequette played his freshman and sophomore years at Saint Thomas More High School in Champaign, IL before transferring to Centennial High School in Champaign, IL for his junior season. Since he has relocated to Little Rock, AR and is currently enrolled at Little Rock Catholic High School (7A in Arkansas).
While in Illinois, Bequette picked up plenty of accolades: he was a 1st Team All SVC Conference defensive lineman as a sophomore, and then later a 1st Team All Big 12 Conference offensive lineman and 2nd Team All Big 12 Conference defensive lineman as a junior, in addition to picking up a 2nd Team All State honor.
His decision now out of the way, Bequette plans to focus his energy on improving technique and staying in the weight room.
"I really just want to continue to work on using my hands and staying low," he said.
Bequette will take an official visit to Berkeley in December or January.